MQM amends constitution, won't seek Altaf's endorsement over decisions

Omits relevant clauses from party's constitution; adds four members in Rabita Committee

KARACHI: Days after Farooq Sattar announced a complete disconnect with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement chief, the party has amended its constitution, and will no longer seek guidance from Altaf Hussain over its decisions.

“The Rabita Committee has decided to omit Article 9B from MQM’s constitution, which stated the Rabita Committee will require Altaf Hussain's guidance and consultation for its decisions,” Sattar told reporters after a party's consultative meeting in Karachi on Thursday.



The decision was taken after Altaf’s August 22 anti-Pakistan speech, which was followed by a Sindh-wide crackdown against the MQM. Scores of party leaders, workers were detained while a number of its offices were subsequently sealed and demolished.

Sattar also announced the inclusion of four leaders into the Rabita Committee.

“Sardar Ahmad, Khalid Maqbool, Khuwaja Sohail Mansoor, and Rauf Siddiqui have been included in the Committee,” he said.

The senior leader said the party was now independent, both from any pressure from inside the country or from the decisions made from London, and was taking its decisions freely.